12 Simple Ways Restaurant Servers Get You to Tip More

When dining out in the U.S., it’s standard practice to tip 20% of the bill. A good rule of thumb is if you walk into a sit-down restaurant, expect to give your server at least that much.

However, some people tip significantly more based on good service, and experienced servers know this. They may even pull some tricks to flatter you and get you to leave a few extra dollars on the table.

Don’t resent their efforts — by tipping more, you're probably helping a hard-working person get ahead financially.

Here are 12 simple ways that restaurant servers get you to tip more on the bill.

Customers tend to tip more when they are using a credit card. It’s much more difficult to justify tipping under the expected 20% when you’re not just pulling out whatever cash you may have in your pocket.

Encouraging customers to pay with a card can mean more cash for the server in the end. However, you can also earn rewards when you pay for your meal with one of the best cash back credit cards.

Research has shown that waiters who repeat the orders back to their customers—a form of mimicry that also lets customers know that you have their order down correctly—tend to earn more in tips.

One study done in the Netherlands — where tipping isn’t the norm — found that people tipped more often and in higher amounts when servers repeated orders back. Tipping is a way servers show respect and indicate they're listening to their customers.

It may be unconscious, but people respond well to positive body language — and experienced servers know how to play this up. Smiling and clearly showing interest in customers are two ways to do this.

Research has also shown that proximity is associated with customers being more drawn to their servers, which may translate to larger tips. One study found that when servers stood closer to their tables, they generally made more tips.

Presentation matters in tipping culture, and servers who look clean and presentable tend to make more money.

The color servers dress in — or the color of their makeup — may also influence how much they earn in tips. A study in France showed that waitresses who wore red could make more in tips from men. Another found that wearing red lipstick was particularly effective in hiking tip amounts.

What’s more, additional research has found that waitresses who wear something in their hair — such as a clip, headband, or flower — increase tips as well. And in this case, both men and women tip more generously.

A bigger bill means bigger tips, so servers will sometimes offer appetizers or meal suggestions on the pricier end of the menu.

An experienced server also knows to pay attention while you are dining and offers you things like drink refills whenever you’re running low. 

This is particularly effective if you’re drinking alcoholic beverages, as the tab can really add up and lead to a much more lucrative tip when the customer leaves a 20% tip.

Many experienced servers also have the ability to infer what kind of attention a customer wants. Gauging what sort of attention customers want is another way servers can leverage bigger tips.

Some diners may come in with a book or a newspaper and give off the vibe that they want to place their order and be left alone.

Others may want to order a few drinks and appetizers and would prefer to have you nearby and available to help throughout their stay.

Compliments of any sort can go a long way toward scoring better tips. People want to know they’re making a good decision, and servers who compliment others can make customers feel great.

In particular, experienced servers know that complimenting your food choice — especially if it’s a pricier item — is a great way to come off as friendly, make you feel good, and make you want to open up your wallet a bit wider.

Several studies have found that adding some sort of personal note onto a check bumps up average tip amounts for waitresses. If a server adds a handwritten “thank you” or a smiley face, research has shown that it can increase tip amounts by 2% and 5%, respectively.

However, interestingly, studies have also shown that smiley faces tend to be more well-received from waitresses than waiters. In fact, smiley faces from waiters resulted in lower tips.

It’s no secret that we’re more willing to shell out extra cash for people we like, and servers who greet their customers with a friendly attitude soon after they sit down can make more in tips.

Such a quick introduction can be particularly impactful if a restaurant is packed. Even a “hello, I’ll be with you in just a minute” can go a long way to keep customers from getting up and leaving when the wait time is longer than usual.

If your server keeps you entertained, you’re more likely to feel comfortable shelling out a bit more to take care of that person after your meal.

Experienced servers may have a few jokes prepared, tell a funny story, or be a master of finding something about their customers to compliment. All of these tactics work to connect with customers and often mean more tips at the end of the night.

Speaking of connection, experienced servers may try to get on a customer’s good side by using their name, which will, in turn, establish a friendly relationship and make you want to tip more.

If you haven’t told a server your name, they may see it on the receipt when they bring you the bill and use it then. Using someone’s name is a respectful way to establish that connection that makes people want to tip more.

This may apply more to bartenders than to servers, but veterans of the service industry know that comping some items — like a free drink, extra fries, or even a free soda refill — can translate to tips later.

Dining out and staying within budget may be difficult when you have to factor in a 20% tip — or more if your server implements any of these tactics. However, remember that servers do not get paid much in wages and are counting on your tips.

So, tip generously and help your server. By looking for ways to stretch your restaurant budget, you can still enjoy eating out and helping your favorite restaurants and servers.